Using Learning Health System Principles to Embed Patient Experience Data in Primary Care: A Qualitative Investigation

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Research
• Health Services Research
• Quality Improvement Science

Background:

• Routine collection of patient experience data is limited in primary care.
• Evidence on using patient experience data for quality improvement is scarce.
• This study addresses the integration of patient feedback in general practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe patient experience data integration in a university-affiliated general practice using a learning health system (LHS) framework.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to this integration process.
• To provide a case example for applying LHS principles in primary care.

Main Methods:

• A co-designed qualitative case study was conducted.
• Semi-structured interviews were held with 18 practice staff (GPs, nurse, admin).
• Interview transcripts were deductively coded using an LHS framework and thematic analysis for barriers/facilitators.

Main Results:

• Practices captured patient experience across all LHS domains.
• Barriers included staff workload, training, and funding policies.
• Facilitators included organizational links, dedicated roles, leadership, and governance.

Conclusions:

• Patient experience data integration in general practice is feasible but faces challenges.
• A LHS framework can guide the capture and use of patient experience data for continuous improvement.
• This case study offers insights for applying LHS principles in primary care settings.